Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 004 – Peugeot Expert Side Door Detachment
No. 031/2023
7 February 2023
Our Ref: V4/23
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 004 – Peugeot Expert Side Door Detachment:
Introduction
A problem first reported in RMG GP SA 2018 005 and CWU LTB 570/2018 has again become a widespread problem with a growing number of incidents reported of Peugeot Expert van side doors detaching from the small panel vans whilst side doors are being operated whereby the top mounting arm comes out of the runner (see photographs in attached Safety Flash).
Background and Description:
Royal Mail Group’s Safety Team have issued RMG SHE Safety Flash FY23 004 following a number of reports of side doors detaching from Peugeot Expert small panel vans whilst the doors are being operated. This is due to the door’s top mounting arm coming out of the runner which in turn has the potential to cause injury to the driver and passenger with the door falling off the vehicle as well as damage to the vehicle (see photographs in attached Safety Flash).
Impact/Injuries:
Potential to cause injury to the driver and passenger with the door falling off the vehicle and damage to the vehicle (see photographs in attached Safety Flash).
Key Messages, Learning Points and Actions:
When opening and closing the side load door on the Peugeot Expert vans, drivers should ensure that the side door is opened and closed without using excessive force which can otherwise cause door failure.
Drivers must not use a ‘throwing’ action when opening and closing the door as it will damage the door. Instead, the door should be held by the handle throughout its operation which prevents the door being ‘thrown’ against its stop.
If excessive force is used, the door can detach from the top runner channel during use (see photographs in attached Safety Flash). The door components have already been modified and strengthened following the same problem occurring on these vans in 2018.
In summary, drivers must not use a ‘throwing’ or ‘slamming’ action to open and close the door with force. This can break the support arm and runner channel after repeated heavy use leading to door detachment.
Drivers instead should ensure the door is opened and closed without using excessive force as damage can occur. Drivers should remain holding the handle throughout the entire sliding travel ensuring the door is opened fully to engage the end of travel catch.
Drivers must not use the upper door arm as a grab handle.
Drivers and PiCs must ensure that a vehicle ‘defect report (PMT1)’ form is submitted should this fault develop on a van. Vans should never be used with an insecure door as it may detach when the vehicle is driven and in use.
Please ensure the message gets to all drivers operating this LCV type small van.
PiCs Actions:
PiCs to brief all staff on this SHE Flash and deploy the above Key Messages, Learning Points and Actions.
PiCs to ensure PMT1 Defect Reports are submitted for Peugeot Expert vans with faulty side doors and are referred to RM Fleet Workshops for attention.
PiCs to ensure that vans are not used with an insecure, defective door which can detach whilst in use. (e.g., the door should not be ‘taped up’ and left in use).
CWU ASR/WSR Action:
WSRs/ASRs please ensure that this Safety Flash is communicated and brought to the attention of all appropriate members/drivers and that actions above are deployed.
WSRs/ASRs to ensure any van with a faulty side door has a PMT1 Defect Report submitted and is not used with an insecure door which can detach whilst in use.
ASRs to concentrate attention to this matter during Workplace Safety Inspections.
Attachment:
Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 004 – Peugeot Expert Side Door Detachment.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
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